“How are we going to continue to grow if we cannot find acceptable new drivers?”

“What if we compromise our hiring standards for just one or two drivers to get us through the busy season?”

These are thoughts that are on the minds of trucking company owners and executives. With the current driver shortage, it is very tempting to compromise on your companies driving standards (or even change them) in order to get warm bodies in the cabs and trucks on the road. But what are the potential costs of this?

The deadline to submit your OSHA 300A information electronically is December 31st, 2017. For the first time ever, OSHA will have its teeth into some very compelling data about your organization's safety program.

Who does this impact?

Establishments with 250 or more employees and establishments with 20-249 employees that are classified in certain industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses will be required to submit the information off of the company’s 300A forms.

With an industry-wide turnover rate of 100%, we often attribute crashes to our road rookies. But, what about our drivers who have been with us for the long haul? You may think "He's been around for over 20 years - just leave him be and let him drive." You're wrong.

The FMCSA recently announced that they are changing their process for performing compliance reviews. Specifically they referred to expanded interviews with members within the organization. Truth is - they have been doing this for a while, but recently completed all of the training and therefore made the announcement. Does this mean that compliance reviews have changed?

With roughly 3.5 million truck drivers collectively moving nearly 70% of all freight tonnage in the U.S. change is inevitable. 2017 brings a slew of trends that will shape the future of this essential industry.

Driver pay has a direct correlation with retaining your drivers and oftentimes employers believe that higher pay will keep their drivers around. With recent findings, thinking outside of the box may be your best bet for hanging tight to your most valued drivers.

On the flip side, it’s not all about the dollar bills. A little R-E-S-P-E-C-T goes a long way in terms of driver retention. How are you treating your drivers?

The Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) is establishing the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). This new database will contain information pertaining to violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) controlled substances (drug) and alcohol testing program for holders of CDLs.

In some trucking companies, the words safety and compliance are used interchangeably. The line that divides these two areas has been further blurred as focus has been placed on CSA numbers by federal regulators - but, don't be fooled by simply complying with the FMCSA to boost your safety performance.

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HNI works with high-performing companies to help them address the hidden risks in their business and avoid The Insurance Dependency Trap. This is done by proactively DE-RISKING their business so they can be less dependent on insurance.

HNI also offers the basic services of insurance and employee benefits. HNI has offices in Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis.